Clubs, community groups and schools were among those receiving a share of £3,000 at Cober Valley Rotary Club's first community support evening in Helston.

Club president Caroline Hemsworth said: "Our last year’s fundraising efforts were so successful that even though we were able to give a major donation to the Cornwall Air Ambulance of £5,000 we still had some funds languishing in our charity account. "Knowing that even a small amount of money can make a big difference to local charities and community organisations we decided that we should run our first Community Evening and pass on this money where it will do the most good."

Penryn and Falmouth Sea Cadets will be using their grant to start a satellite junior cadet unit in Helston at Culdrose Community Centre, while St Keverne School will be building a sensory garden with their funds and Porthleven Guides will be buying a much needed new tent for their summer camp.

The Mustard Seed and Food Bank desperately needed help for a new freezer and Helston Age Concern will be able to put on a Christmas party.

Mullion Football Club can now start to recruit and support a new junior team and Helston Rugby Club's girls team will put the money towards new facilities for their players.

Kidz R Us youth theatre group will fund two head microphones and Culdrose Junior Football Team will use it for much needed winter training coats.

The National Animal Welfare Trust based in Hayle will be able to get match funding for their grant and use it for re-homing their cats and dogs and Stithians Baby and Toddler Group can now afford their annual insurance costs.

The cheques were handed out during a presentation evening at the Wheal Dream, attended by all recipients.

Caroline added: "To large organisations the sums we passed out were small, but to groups like these a little can go a long way.

"It was a super evening and a community event in itself.

"We will look to make this an annual function and so increase our engagement with our local community. 'We’re for Communities’ is a strap line for Rotary all over the world and we certainly are in Helston."